By RYAN TOLMICH

Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger have had a tumultuous relationship to say the least, but the Chelsea manager insists it was not him that caused the latest incident between the two.

The two managers, whose rivalry culminated in a sideline shoving match last season, did not shake hands after Sunday’s Arsenal victory in the Community Shield. Mourinho, who shook every Arsenal player’s hand before throwing his runners-up medal into the stands, says that the lack of formalities was not his doing, as he would never be so disrespectful to deny a handshake.

“I think the person is one thing, the manager is one thing,” Mourinho said. “It is one thing on the streets, one thing in the football stadium. In a stadium I never refused a handshake with a rival. Out of respect for my club, respect for football, I never refused a handshake with a manager in a football stadium.

“Last season I had fantastic behavior on the touchline … I was never sent to the stand. I was [even] pushed in the technical area by another manager and it was a good experience – I kept my emotional control.”

Here are some more news and notes to kick off your Wednesday morning:

ARGENTINA’S MARTINO WOULD UNDERSTAND MESSI INTERNATIONAL RETIREMENT

Lionel Messi has long been the subject of criticism for his international performance, prompting his manager to state that he is unfairly targeted.

Argentina manager Gerardo Martino says that, if he were in Messi’s shoes, he would retire from the international game due to the unfair criticism levied against the forward. However, Martino also said he does expect to call-up Messi for the team’s next game: a September 8 friendly with Mexico in Arlington, Texas.

“If I were in Messi’s place I would have stopped playing with the national team a long time ago, but I would keep playing for Barcelona,” Martino said. “To speak about the criticism of Messi is to give strength to something that does not deserve any type of analysis.

“I am going to call up Messi, but I am not sure he will be there,” he added. “It would be very frustrating, although it would be understandable, if Messi did not come with the national team.”

GENERAL MANAGER SAYS AC MILAN IS UNLIKELY TO SIGN IBRAHIMOVIC

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been linked with a move back to his former club, but AC Milan president Adriano Galliani is not confident in securing a deal.

Galliani says that club is in “pole position” to sign the striker should he leave Paris Saint-Germain, something the AC Milan boss says he believes is unlikely. Ibrahimovic has one year left on his current deal with the club.

“Ibra’s a very difficult subject as he’s under contract with PSG for this season,” Galliani said, “and the chances of him returning to Milan are minimal.

“He’s almost certain to stay in Paris, but if ever he does leave then Milan are in pole position for him.”

QUICK KICKS

The Dutch Football Association is preparing to use video replay in the nation’s KNVB Cup. (REPORT)

Porto has signed forward Dani Osvaldo on a free transfer. (REPORT)

Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge could return to action as soon as the team’s September 12 clash with rivals Manchester United. (REPORT)

Midfielder Mario Gotze hinted that his future was uncertain with Bayern Munich. (REPORT)

Juventus’ Alvaro Morata will miss one month with a calf injury. (REPORT)

Crystal Palace has signed winger Bakary Sako on a three-year deal. (REPORT)

—

What do you think of the latest Mourinho incident? What would you do if you were Messi? What do you expect from Ibrahimovic this season?

Share your thoughts below.